LEONARD HENRY RIVERS

From May through to September 2026, Andrew will be fulfilling his dream to hike the iconic Land’s End to John O’Groats! You are all warmly invited to follow Andrew’s epic journey on his Facebook page, “Andrew Beal LEJOG” https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577588795730

As Andrew hikes the 1,300+ miles, he will raise funds for the Ipswich War Memorial Project to help finance our future exhibitions and research of the brave Ipswich men and women who lost their lives in conflict. If you would like to make a small donation, please click on the link: https://gofund.me/5d4a50570

Thank you for your love and support. Andrew & Helen – I.W.M.P.

Born: 1885, Chelmondiston, Suffolk.

Baptised on the 24^th May 1885, at St. Andrew’s Church, Chelmondiston, Suffolk – family home at Chelmondiston.

Died: 21st March 1917; age 34; died of wounds.

Enlistment Location: Chelmsford, Essex.

Rank: Private; Service Number: 20883

Regiment: Shropshire Light Infantry, 5th Battalion.

Formerly 35143, Suffolk Regiment.

Medals Awarded: Victory & British War.

Grave Reference:

II.C.9.

Avesnes-Le-Comte Communal Cemetery Extension.

Pas de Calais,

France.

Relatives Notified & Address: Eldest son of Henry Orman & Ellen Rivers, of 135, Wherstead Road, Ipswich.

Brother to ROBERT RICHARD RIVERS.

CENSUS

1891   Church Green, Chelmondiston, Suffolk.

Leonard was 6 years old and living with his aunt & uncle.

Benjamin King, 61, a Butcher, born Chelmondiston.

Susanna King, 60, born Chelmondiston.

2 general domestic servants.

1901   4, Church Lane, Walton, Suffolk.

Leonard was 15 years old, a Butcher. He was a boarder at the home of 47 year old, widow, Mary Giles, a Laundress – own account – at home.

1911   35a, Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, Essex.

Leonard was 26 years old, a Butcher – Journeyman. He was married and Head of the Household.

Mabel, 25.

1 boarder.

Father: Robert Henry Orman Rivers, born 1856, Shotley, Suffolk. Robert Rivers died on the 9^th June 1910, at his home, 135, Wherstead Road, Ipswich, aged 55 years and was buried in Section EE, Ipswich Old Cemetery.

Mother: Ellen Rivers (nee Tovell), born 1863, Chelmondiston, Suffolk.

On the 31^st May 1909, at St. John the Evangelist, Moulsham, Essex, 24 year old Leonard married 22 year old Mabel Lydia Pitt, born February 1886, Chelmsford, Essex, daughter of George Brett Pitt, a stone mason, and Caroline Esther Pitt (nee Burridge), a boarding housekeeper – employer, of Threadneedle Street, Chelmsford, Essex.

Probate to Mabel Lydia Rivers – widow.

Soldiers’ Effects to Mabel Lydia Golden – widow.

Leonard is also remembered on the war memorial at St. Mary at Stoke Church, Ipswich.

Shropshire Light Infantry, 5th Battalion